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Come As You Are Co-operative is the world's only worker-owned co-operative sex shop. Founded in 1997 in Toronto, Canada, our mandate is to create access to sexual health, education, and pleasure in a welcoming and comfortable environment.

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how to use a vibrator

Vibrators don't come with instruction manuals. You might think it's funny that we even mention it, but many of our customers have never used a vibrator, and just as many are uncomfortable or unfamiliar with the subtleties of self-love. So it's no surprise to us that people ask, and we'd like to help out a bit with some basics on how to use a vibrator.

start solo

Even if you're planning on using a vibrator with a partner, we recommend starting out on your own. This gives you the chance to check out the features, see what you like, work out any kinks, and pay close attention to what does and doesn't work for you with the new toy without the distraction (pleasant though it may be) of a partner.

cleanliness before...

When you get your vibrator home be sure to wash it well before first use. Look it over carefully, put the batteries in, and makes sure you know how it works and that all the functions are working properly.

make nice

Before buzzing your way to ecstasy, get comfortable with the feel of your vibrator against your skin and on your body without the motor turned on. Vibrators aren't called massagers for nothing, and you might like the feel of a vibe pressed firmly in just the right places.

don't forget the lube

You should use a good quality lubricant with any vibrator. Vibrators don't lubricate themselves, and using a lube will make everything you do with your vibe more sensitive and more slippery.

start gently, build slowly

When you first turn your vibrator on leave it at a low setting. Start by feeling the vibrator in your hands, along your arms and legs, or belly or feet. Very slowly direct the vibrator to the more sensitive parts of your body (remember there are many places other than the genitals that can turn us on and get us off). If clitoris or penis is sensitive to stimulation, start first by slowly bringing the vibrator up your legs and along your inner thighs. You're only new at this once, so savour the tease and anticipation. Once you're comfortable with the feel of vibration move the vibrator closer to your erogenous zones.

go to town

The feeling of a vibrator on your body is a sensation that's hard to describe. Let's just say people who like it, like it a lot - but some people don't love the sensation and that's okay too. Here are several ways to explore with your vibrator:

Try using just the tip of the vibrator on different parts of the clitoris or penis.

Roll the vibrator over the clitoris creating both pressure and friction.

If your vibrator has a flat edge or ridges see what they feel like when pressed against or passed over the clitoris or the head of the penis.

Experiment with applying pressure and then letting go. Press the vibrator deep against your body and feel the internal vibrations.

Use the different speed settings to ramp the stimulation up and down, or with a pulsation.

take yourself to the edge and back again

Vibrators can be a great way to explore and expand your sexual response. One way to do this is to use a vibrator to bring yourself to the point just before orgasm, and slow down the vibrator until you've backed off a bit. Then start using your vibrator again until you get yourself once again to the point before orgasm. Try doing this several times before you let yourself go over the top. Many find that a slow build up results in a bigger orgasm.

using vibrators to explore multiple orgasms

We are not fans of the "orgasmic imperative" at Come As You Are. Some of our favourite sex acts don't involve an orgasm at all. But if you're interested in seeing if you can have multiple orgasms, vibration can be a great help. Once you've had an orgasm (with a vibrator or not) use your vibrator, even if you don't feel you could come again. Play with speed and pressure and see what happens. For some people they'll be nothing. For others it's part two of a story you thought was over.

going inside

Most people use vibrators externally. But some people like vibrators for penetration, and if your vibe is safe for penetration, why not give it a try. You can use your vibrators to explore g-spot or prostate stimulation and ejaculation. See what it feels like with the vibrator inside you as you press against the top, bottom, and sides of your vagina or anus. Some spots may be extra sensitive, and you may enjoy the feeling of having a vibrator inside you without a lot of movement. Remember that only anal vibrators should be used for anal penetration, and you shouldn't use a vibrator for both anal and vaginal penetration, unless you use a condom and replace the condom in between.